5k: Keep It In The Familia: 1988 Mazda 323 GTX AWD Turbo

The US version of the Mazda 323 GTX was based on 5th generation (internal designation BF) Mazda Familia – a basic economy car for the family.  The 323GTX version equipped the econobox with a turbocharger, all-wheel-drive and a manual transmission.  Today the market for 323 GTX is well depressed and we fully expect the good examples to start appreciating soon.  Find this 1988 Mazda 323 GTX for sale in Kirkland, WA currently bidding on ebay for $1,725 with 2 days to go.

This isn’t a clean stock example, since most 323 GTXs are abused stock daily drivers with 300k miles or low mile modified hot-rods with fewer miles but more questionable engine-grenading Fast & Furious mods. This one falls into the latter category. The seller of this GTX claims to have invested over $20k into this beast but the engine is pressurizing the cooling system when driving, so it probably needs a head gasket, head or block repair.  Factor the cost of a rebuild into your bids!

This 1.8 liter DOHC inline-4 is equipped with a turbocharger from the factory producing 180 horsepower and 175 ft-lbs of torque when stock, but the seller has bolted all manner of hop-up parts and while he doesn’t specify any actual power for the build, we would be disappointed if it was less than 300 hp.

The GTX has a really cool looking classic digital dash that will probably work 50% of the time and be a constant reminder of the ’80s, feathered hair and all.  The hard plastic interior looks rugged enough to survive a cleaning with a  pressure washer…but beware of hosing the digital dash.

This GTX isn’t something for the average buyer and the pressurized coolant issues will scare away most interested parties, but will the final auction price be a score?

See a better AWD turbo ’80s time machine? Email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com